Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has said she would oppose any hypothetical attempt by her husband, former U.S. President Barack Obama, to return to the Oval Office for a third term.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast hosted by Alex Cooper, Michelle Obama was asked how she would feel about the idea of her husband, former President Barack Obama, returning to the White House for a third term.
Michelle Obama responded immediately, saying “I hope not,” and added that she would “actively work against that.” Her response was direct and unambiguous ,framing her personal views rather than a political proposal.
During the conversation, Michelle Obama acknowledged that though older leaders can bring valuable perspective and “wisdom,” she still emphasized that the country needed , and would benefit from, new leadership and fresh ideas rather than a return to former leaders.
“I believe in the need for new vision. We’re changing and growing so fast, it’s a hard job. It requires new energy, new vision and ways of looking at the world, so I do believe that eight years is enough. There’re so many talented people out there, why would we keep on going with the same people. There’s room for that “old wisdom” but there’s also room for new ideas. Two terms is enough for everybody.”
The question of a third term has resurfaced in public discussion in the United States, partly due to comments from the United States, President Donald Trump, who has at times expressed openness to extending his time in office.
However, the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ratified in 1951, states that no person may be elected president more than twice. It also specifies that someone who has served more than two years of another president’s term may only be elected once. Any change to this rule would require a constitutional amendment, a process that must be approved by two-thirds of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, and then ratified by three-quarters of the U.S. states.
Barack Obama served two terms as President of the United States from 2009 to 2017, so this would make him constitutionally barred from running again..
Michelle Obama has repeatedly stated in past interviews that she has no interest in holding political office herself and has often spoken about the personal toll that public life took on her family during Barack Obama’s presidency.
Despite the renewed discussion, there has been no indication from Barack Obama that he intends to seek office again, nor is there any legal mechanism currently in place that would allow a third presidential term without a constitutional amendment.
